Youngsville, LA (August 5, 2025) – With great sadness, the City of Youngsville mourns the passing of former Police Chief Earl Menard.
Chief Menard was one of the longest-serving elected leaders in our community. First elected in 1987, he led the Youngsville Police Department for nearly 30 years. Even in retirement, he continued to serve with the same dedication as our Community Relations Liaison until the time of his passing.
He was a steady and respected presence in our city. Chief Menard led with kindness, strength, and a quiet determination that left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. His deep commitment to public safety helped shape Youngsville into the growing, family-oriented community we are today. During his tenure, Youngsville experienced remarkable growth from a small village/town of around 1,000 residents to a city approaching 10,000 by the time he left office.
He was also part of the leadership team that worked to make the Youngsville Sports Complex a reality, a project that continues to benefit families and visitors. Long before that, his outreach to young people through “Earl Menard Cares” made a difference in countless lives.
City of Youngsville flags that fly independently will be lowered in his honor.
We extend our sincere condolences to his wife, Phyllis; his children, Dawn, Kayla, Rachelle, Phyllis, Jarrid, Lance, Tarrah, and Erin; and the entire Menard family — including his grandson, Officer Clay Durke, who continues his law enforcement legacy. Chief Menard was a patriarch in every sense — to his family, to the department he helped build, and to a city that respected and loved him.
May he rest in peace, and may his legacy of service continue to guide us.
